Portrait of a Visionary and an Entrepreneur
Dr Armand Frappier (1904-1991)
A doctor, microbiologist, professor and researcher, Dr. Armand Frappier made a prodigious contribution to the improvement of public health in Québec, as well as the vigour of research and the training of researchers in this field.
The death from tuberculosis of several close family members affected him deeply, and he was aware of how great a challenge needed to be met in the fight against infections. Armand Frappier decided to make tuberculosis the first battle in his life-long fight against infectious diseases.
Today, his institut, which is a member of the Instituts Pasteur International Network, trains researchers who work in the most critical areas of public health.
On Wednesday, March 21, 2012, Dr Armand Frappier and six of Canada’s most distinguished medical leaders were inducted into the world’s only national Hall of Fame dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of Canadian medical heroes.
Video: Dr. Armand Frappier - Laureate 2012
Some dates to remember:
- In 1938, Dr. Armand Frappier founded the Institut d'hygiène et de microbiologie de Montréal, the first institution of its kind, which became the Institut Armand-Frappier in 1974, before becoming part of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) in 1998.
- From 1933 to 1975, he promoted systematic anti-tuberculosis vaccination in North America, following extensive research on the effectiveness and safety of this inoculation.
- In 1945, he founded the first French-language school of hygiene in the world, at the Université de Montréal.
- In 1949, he was considered a pioneer of research in virology in Québec and Canada.
- In 1950, he created the first diagnostic laboratory for human viral diseases in Québec.
To learn more about the life, studies, career, publications and honours of Dr. Armand Frappier, please visit the Armand-Frappier Museum website.